Hyundai – Latino Traffic Report

Hyundai/Genesis Spotlight Latina Company Execs

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Mar 082024

Marking Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Reuters released its list of Top 20 Trailblazing Women in Automotive. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) has learned that included in the list were two Latinas, Genesis Motor North America chief operating officer Claudia Marquez and Angela Zepeda, chief marketing officer for Hyundai Motor America. In naming recipients for its list, the publication sought nomination of individuals who have had a lasting impact on their industries, with a demonstrable track record of influence, impact, and leadership. Nominations were received from a broad set of industry stakeholders including but not limited to Reuters Professional and the communities served by Reuters Events.

Photo by Jonathan Vandiveer

“Having Angela Zepeda recognized as a global Trailblazer by Reuters is an exceptional recognition for Angela and the company,” said Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “Angela brings many natural talents to her role as CMO, and we applaud her for the significant contributions she has given to the organization and the Hyundai brand DNA through her creative marketing abilities and successful leadership. Keep on trailblazing!”

Zepeda (right) has made several significant achievements in her role at Hyundai including a first-ever social media initiative to celebrate football’s biggest game. Hyundai went offline to conquer the Big Game weekend in the all-new Santa Fe SUV and handed its Instagram account over to twenty-two other brands including, Weber Grills, the Los Angeles Rams, the Houston Texans, Mint Mobile and more. Thereby, creating never-before seen unique product content and applauses from many audiences.

Zepeda is also an expert in marketing to women, with a keen understanding of the emotional triggers involved in women’s retail habits. She has spoken on the topic at various conferences, including the ISSM CONVERGE Conference, the WLN Conference, the M2W Conference in Chicago, and the Marketing to Women Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

In response to the recognition for Marquez (right), José Muñoz, president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company, and president and CEO of Genesis Motor North America said: “Claudia has been blazing trails in this industry since I’ve known her, so it’s no surprise that Reuters is recognizing her leadership. Since joining Genesis two years ago, Claudia has made a tremendous impact on the business and the brand. As a leader she lives the Genesis brand values of performance and excellence and is well respected throughout the industry and with our retail partners. We are so very proud to honor her and the other Trailblazing women in this wonderful industry.”

Under Marquez’s leadership, Genesis strengthened its position in the United States with recording-breaking sales, expansion of its U.S. retail network, and increasing brand awareness.

In 2023, Genesis reported a best-ever annual U.S. sales achievement with 69,175 vehicles sold, representing a 23 percent year-over-year increase. The brand also expanded its U.S. retail network with the opening of several standalone facilities.

Marquez has more than 28 years of experience in the automotive industry. Previously, she served as CEO of Hyundai Motor Mexico and has held positions in multiple automotive brands, including BMW, MINI, Land Rover, Nissan, and Infiniti.

LTR celebrates the accomplishments of these Latinas and wishes them continued success.

Generous Gas Savers: From SUVs to EVs

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Feb 062024

Remember when the auto industry looked at hybrids with a stink eye? That was back when in 1999 when the modern versions first emerged. According to Axios, electrified vehicle sales—hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles (EV)—reached 17.7 percent of auto sales in the United States in 2023 with the Honda CR-V hybrid leading hybrid sales. Government mandates for increasing fuel economy combined with fluctuating gas prices, encourage car buyers to seek vehicles that save gas or better yet, don’t use gas at all. With that in mind, Latino Traffic Report (LTR) offers this list of recently tested gas savers for our readers to consider.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

When Toyota announced plans to build the 2022 Corolla Cross, it created an immediate buzz. Many wondered if Toyota could or should attempt to improve on the top-selling Corolla by making it sportier and more versatile, i.e. a compact crossover? Enter 2023 and Toyota has taken the Cross one step further by introducing a hybrid version, the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

On the outside, the hybrid version differs from its gas-powered sibling with unique front and rear styling. The test model, Corolla Cross HV HSE, also came with the available two-tone paint, and 18-inch alloy wheels. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard on all Cross hybrids.

Assembled in Huntsville, Alabama at the brand-new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant, the hybrid is available in three new grades: S, SE and XSE. As a hybrid, it’s is also priced above its gas-powered sibling.

That means the all models come with an improved Toyota Safety Sense suite that includes pre-collision warning with emergency braking, dynamic radar cruise control, road sign assist to read speed limits, and the all-important blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. Also standard on the top-of-the-line test model were premium LED head lamps, taillamps and fog lamps, Softex-trimmed seats with the addition of heated front seats and a power driver’s seat.

Happily, the Toyota Audio Multimedia System, with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB-C charge ports is standard on all trims. Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls.

Under the hood is a peppy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 196 horsepower. Fuel savings being the optimum question for a hybrid, it has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 45 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. It averaged 38 mpg during the test drive. Adding to that is 63.8 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seat folded flat.

Having spent a week in the Cross Hybrid, LTR can confirm that a more versatile and fuel-efficient Corolla was definitely a good idea. Pricing for the 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid starts at $29,320 and the as-tested price for the Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE came to $37,208. All prices include destination fees.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Freshened in 2021, the Hyundai Santa Fe didn’t just get a modified exterior, that year also introduced a new hybrid powertrain with AWD and extensive new driver safety and convenience features. LTR recently tested the 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid Limited AWD. In typical Hyundai fashion, the hybrid brought an extended package of luxury features, like a panoramic moonroof, leather seating with heated and cooled front seats, and heated rear seats, combined with a respectable average fuel economy of 29.8 miles per gallon on the test drive.

Powered by a 1.6 inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 178 hp and 195 ft.–lb. of torque and matched to a six-speed transmission with paddle shifters, the hybrid did have a turbo delay when accelerating but switching to the Sport mode, one of three available, seemed to cure that. The hybrid propulsion system is the first application of its kind in the Hyundai SUV line-up.

Advanced technology included smart cruise control, surround view and blind spot monitors, Blue Link connected services for three years, and Harman Kardon premium audio. Unique to Hyundai, is the blind spot camera that displays in the instrument cluster, which is preferable to displaying in the entertainment screen, as others have done, which is distracting.

For fans of the Santa Fe, particularly its design, 2023 will be the last year to purchase one as the fifth generation, all-new 2024 Santa Fe is coming and it marks the debut of a completely new look for Hyundai. Judging from initial images, it borrows design cues from Ford on the headlamps, and Land Rover on the silhouette. Pricing for the 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $37,545 with destination fees. The as-tested price came to $43,115.

Lexus NX 350h

LTR had the unique opportunity to test two versions of the Lexus NX 350, the gasoline-powered and most recently, the hybrid version, NX 350h. Like its sibling, the 350h includes the lux styling and amenities that Lexus is known for, but as a hybrid, it’s the top-of-the-line model, which promises a little more features, as well as impressive fuel economy.

Fully redesigned from the inside out in 2022, it’s powered by Lexus Hybrid Drive system that pairs the fuel injected 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 189 horsepower with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators that assist with acceleration and passing. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 41 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway. The test model achieved 32.5 mpg during the week-long test drive.

Standard safety features on the test model included the essential blind-spot monitor, Road Sign Assist, and Dynamic Radar cruise control.

The beautifully finished interior on the test model included tan heated and cooled leather seats, wood accents, and the huge and optional 14-inch touchscreen (the 9.8-inch is standard) that comes with a three-year trial for Drive Connect location guidance services like Cloud Navigation, Destination Assist, and Intelligent Assistant. The larger screen also included Lexus Interface that guests can use a Bluetooth handheld device, smart key or manual login to access. Lexus Interface also incorporates a Voice Assistant available through voice activation or accessible via a button on the steering wheel.

Other standard features included the Head-Up Display, a power moonroof, and Intuitive Parking Assist. The steamlined door handles fit nicely into the door panel but opening the door took a little figuring out.

The test model also included 18 stand-alone options varying in price from a key glove ($25) to 20-inch alloy wheels ($1,310) and which added an extra $10,000 to the starting price of $48,795. Other interesting options included power folding heated rear seats, the Mark Levinson audio system, and a panoramic view monitor.

As-tested MSRP came to $58,445. Pricing for the 2024 NX 350h starts at $44,665.

Genesis Electrified G80

While hybrids have improved gas mileage, the best gas saver is one that doesn’t use gas at all, or electric vehicles (EVs). Genesis joined the EV market with the 2023 Electrified G80 sedan. Initially, the challenge for EVs was their limited range. The restricted range at the onset—as well as charging infrastructure or lack thereof—labeled them as secondary vehicles, limited to city driving. The Electrified G80 hit the market with an impressive range of 282-miles enough to take on a road trip from Austin to Johnston City or roughly 100 miles round trip, and the childhood home of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. It handled the challenge nicely although it did lose 20 miles of range compared to the actual mileage of the trip.

The latest Genesis exterior design is a head turner. Distinctive without looking overworked, the signature Crest Grille has been adjusted for the EV to make it more aerodynamic.

Inside, the premium sedan did not disappoint, with Nappa leather seats, matte wood trim, and a huge 14.5-inch HD screen for the infotainment system and a 123-inch digital instrument cluster. For an added touch, Genesis sourced various natural or recycled materials for its interior such as leather with natural dyes for the seats, console, and rear seat armrest, recycled wood, and environment-friendly, recycled PET fabrics.

Safety features were also well represented with a blind-spot monitor, smart cruise control, and forward and parking collision avoidance, among other features.

While charging infrastructure for EVs has improved, especially with onboard technology that helps drivers locate the nearest charging stations, during the test drive, the Electrified G80 would not charge from a the standard 110-volt home outlet. Another concern about EVs is their incompatibility to extreme weather, which made charging in hot Texas weather tough and expensive. While the quick charger cut off after 20 minutes, the 20 miles of charging that was successfully added cost $10. The only extra feature was the Hallasan Green exterior paint ($575). Available in only one trim, the as-tested MSRP came to $81,495.

Hyundai CEO Receives Top Honor in Spain

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Jul 222023

Muñoz is pictured here in the middle, holding the award.

Latino Traffic Report has learned that José Muñoz, president and global chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor Company, and president and CEO, Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America has joined the ranks of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Sainz, and other prominent Spaniards in receiving one of Spain’s top automotive honors.

Recently selected to receive the prestigious “El Abrazote de Manolo” award by the Spanish members of the Europe Car Of the Year (COTY) jury, the jury selected Muńoz for his longstanding global leadership in the automotive industry and ongoing advocacy for the industry in Spain and around the world.

“José Muñoz continues to make significant contributions to the motoring industry in Spain and internationally. On behalf of all of the COTY jury members in Spain, we offer our heartfelt congratulations,” said Xavi Pérez, COTY member. “This recognition by the Spanish members of the COTY jury is a tribute in memory of Manolo Domenech who left us 10 years ago and who represented a benchmark in motoring reporting.”

El Abrazote de Manolo, “the hug of Manolo,” is named after prominent Spanish motoring journalist Manolo Domenech who passed away in 2013. The award represents the Asturian expression ‘hug’ that Manolo Domenech used with people close to him.

“On behalf of the global team at Hyundai, I am deeply honored,” said Muńoz at a ceremony in Madrid. “Serving our customers with fantastic products and being part of a team with such a compelling vision for the future of mobility is reward enough; however, I am very thankful to the Spanish Car of the Year jury and sending a big abrazote to Manolo Domenech.”

This is the sixth El Abrazote de Manolo award. Previous recipients have included tennis champion Rafael Nadal, Formula One driver Carlos Sainz, Audi’s head of electrification Fermin Soneira Santos and COO of Kia Motors Europe Emilio Herrera, among others.

As the president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company and the president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America, Muñoz is responsible for driving greater performance in key strategic regions, including Europe, India and the Middle East and Africa. This includes leading global talent acquisition & management to recruit and retain core talent in new technology-based businesses. He is also responsible for global sales, service and product planning as part of the global business operations divisiond and oversees the entire Americas market, including Hyundai Motor North, Central and South America, as the head of the Hyundai Motor Americas Region.

A native of Spain and earned his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Polytechnic University of Madrid and has an MBA from Instituto de Empresa (IE) Business School in Madrid. He has also completed executive management programs from Cranfield School of Management in the U.K. and INSEAD Business School in France. He is fluent in English, Spanish and French.

¡Felicidades señor!

Hyundai Invests in Latino Community During Hispanic Heritage Month

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Oct 152022

(l to r) Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor America, Sandra Pisano, PsyD, Director, Behavioral Health, AltaMed, Fanny Oliveira, Sr. director of Development, AltaMed Foundation, in Los Angeles, Calif. on October 14, 2022. (Photo/Hyundai)

At the close of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) Latino Traffic Report has learned that Hyundai honored the Hispanic and Latinx communities with a multifaceted program that included philanthropic and community-based support and sponsorships including:

Hyundai Hope donations to empower future generations through education
Community support from Hyundai’s employee resource group (ERG), Amigos Unidos
Partnership with the Latin American Museum in Long Beach (MOLAA)
Participation in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) leadership conference
Hyundai’s Hispanic marketing agency, Lopez Negrete Communications, FIFA campaign

“Hispanic and Latino Americans have long played a pivotal role enriching our culture and economy and serve as a key driving force of the automotive industry,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “America’s diversity has always been one of our greatest strengths as a nation and we are proud to support and spotlight the Hispanic community’s rich and diverse heritage, achievements and contributions that have made our country better and stronger.”

Members of Hyundai’s Employee Resource Group, Amigos Unidos, with Lourdes Ramos, PhD, president and CEO, MOLAA, Alison Heney, PhD, vice president of learning and public programs, MOLAA, in Long Beach, Calif., October 10, 2022. (Photo/Hyundai)

Philanthropic Commitments
Hyundai donated $25,000 to The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) College Success Program to increase the number of Hispanic and Latino first-generation students from underserved communities majoring in the fields of STEM and business.

Hyundai Hope contributed to the AltaMed Foundation to support programs and resources providing mental health services to underserved communities.

Amigos Unidos Community Work
Hyundai and its employee resource group (ERG), Amigos Unidos, hosted the Fifth Annual Hyundai Career Experience Virtual Program for first- and second-year college students to learn about automotive career opportunities.

For a second year in a row, Hyundai’s Amigos Unidos ERG members volunteered their time and provided financial assistance to community-based organization, Project Youth OCBF in Santa Ana to keep at-risk youth in school, healthy and drug-free through education, counseling, mentoring, and family strengthening.

Latin American Museum in Long Beach (MOLAA) Sponsorship
Hyundai donated $14,000 to the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) Youth Art and Hispanic Heritage Programs and is sponsoring the Día de los Muertos community celebration and exhibit. For more information, please visit 2022 MOLAA Day of the Dead Festival.

Thought Leadership
Hyundai Motor North America’s Gil Castillo, senior group manager, product strategy and regulatory compliance, participated in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Leadership Conference “Building a Climate Resilient Nation: Green American Communities and Business” in Washington, D.C to discuss Hyundai’s electrification and carbon neutrality goals.

Hispanic Agency of Record and FIFA Content
Hyundai’s multicultural marketing group together with its newly selected U.S. Hispanic agency, Lopez Negrete Communications, unleashed the passion for soccer, starting with families, with original, culturally curated content awarding four Hispanic winners to attend the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Selected winners will be sharing their experience and journey of a lifetime during the live, global event that scores high among U.S. Hispanics.

Not all automakers make reaching out to the Latino community a priority. Bravo to Hyundai for its efforts.

Ramirez Advances at Hyundai

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Jan 302022

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) has learned that Hyundai Motor America (HMA) has promoted Brandon Ramirez to director of Corporate Social Responsibility and External Relations. In this role, Ramirez is responsible for the development and implementation of CSR programs and initiatives in the areas of sustainability, innovation and community engagement. Ramirez is also responsible for promoting Hyundai and Genesis leadership in technology democratization, eco-friendly mobility solutions and customer-centric experiences.

Ramirez is an old friend to LTR, which has followed his career advancement over the years. Previously, Ramirez was the senior group manager, product public relations at Hyundai Motor North America responsible for communicating the attributes of Hyundai’s entire product lineup to traditional and digital media throughout the country, including auto show strategy, new vehicle launches and ongoing content creation for Hyundai vehicles. Ramirez also spent 13 years leading product development, market launches and lifecycle management for Hyundai’s lineup of cars, CUVs and alternative-powered vehicles. He has extensive multicultural experience serving as the chair of Hyundai’s internal “Amigos Unidos” employee group, which is tasked with community engagement and raising culture awareness at Hyundai.

Congrats to Ramirez and kudos to Hyundai for its commitment to diversity.

Crossover Review: Hyundai Venue

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Jun 152021

Competition may not be the mother of invention, but it’s certainly related. In the escalating crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) market, carmakers have had to get creative when trying to compete. Hyundai opted to approach the challenge from a value perspective when introducing yet another crossover, the Venue, to its lineup. Latino Traffic Report recently got to drive the thrifty little SUV, specifically, the Venue SEL, and while it may be cheapest SUV offered, Hyundai’s certainly not giving it away.

To hold their own, crossovers need to offer what car buyers want, utility combined with the performance of a sedan. Introduced in 2020, the Venue certainly checks this box offering a 60/40 split second-row seat that deploys easily to expose 31.9 cu. ft. of cargo room. Despite being Hyundai’s smallest SUV, its interior as a whole felt roomy, the seats were a striking black and white two-tone and there were creative cubbies for storage like the one pictured (right) under the dash. The ride, however, was a bit bumpy.

For added convenience, a rearview camera, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise and cruise control, cruise control though not adaptive, remote keyless entry and forward collision avoidance are standard. Initially, getting more comforting technology, like a blind spot monitor, required the Convenience Package but for 2021, it’s now standard on SEL and Denim trim levels. The test model also added a sunroof and leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, as well as the Premium package ($1,750 ) that brought heated fronts seats, LED headlights and taillights, and an eight-inch navigation touchscreen, among other features.

A 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 ft.-lbs. of torque powers the Venue, matched to a continuously variable transmission. Compact SUVs should also try to be fuel-efficient. The Venue has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 33 on the highway. It averaged 33.8 on the test drive. The test model included Snow, and Drive modes to improve performance but oddly, not an Eco mode to improve fuel efficiency.

Available in three trim levels, S, SEL, and Denim, pricing for the 2021 Venue starts at $19,870. The as-tested price came to $23,405.

Si: As advertised, the Venue offers utility and value in the compact crossover segment.

No: While adding a blind spot monitor as standard equipment on SEL and Denim was a good move, the base model is excluded. Consumers should at least have the chance to purchase this technology.

Hyundai Recalls Certain 2021 Santa Fe SUVs

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May 092021

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 2.5-litre Turbo engines. The fuel pipe connecting the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not have been tightened properly.

Dealers inspected and tightened the fuel pipe connection, free of charge. The affected vehicles have been repaired and therefore no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 206.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

LTR’s SUV Sampler

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Dec 312020

The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment remains so viable that not even the COVID-19 pandemic could hurt its sales. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association: “Despite a decline for all car segments, sales of pickups, SUVs and crossovers all posted gains relative to this time last year. In the first three quarters or 2020, three out of every four vehicles sold were light trucks.”

Responding to the trend, domestic automakers killed off most of their car models, opting to focus on SUVs and trucks, while import brands just kept expanding their lineups further with more and more models, from crossover compacts to full-size SUVs. Here’s a sampling of the models Latino Traffic Report (LTR) got to drive in 2020.

Toyota Highlander Platinum AWD

First introduced in 2001 the Toyota Highlander joined the lineup as the first midsize crossover SUV offered by the brand. Over time, the Highlander not only grew in size, it gained a third row and became the best-selling retail model in the segment since 2016.

Redesigned in 2020, the fourth-generation Highlander is still growing, which has translated into greater cargo volume, for a total of 84.3 cu. ft. with the second and third rows folded flat. It also gains more versatility with a second row that slides up an extra 1.2 inches, a handy shelf under the dash for extra storage, and maximum towing of 5,000-pounds.

While Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard on all models, more advanced safety technology, like the blind spot monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, comes standard on four of the five available grades. There is a recall on the 2020 Highlander due to a concern over seat trim covers.

LTR got to drive the top-of-the-line Platinum trim with all-wheel drive (AWD). Equipped with multiple drive modes, from Eco to Snow, maximized the performance from the AWD system.

A 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb.–ft. of torque matched to a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission powered the test model. It had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. It averaged 19.7 mpg on the test drive. The standard Stop and Start Engine System should have increase fuel economy although it fell short on the week-long test drive. Still, it engaged with minimal clunkiness.

All grades come standard with Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Alexa In-Car compatibility, Waze, SiriusXM, and WiFi connectivity.

Added features like the 12.3-inch touchscreen display rather than the standard eight-inch display helped the test model live up to its up level trim. The Platinum grade also comes with a Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven.

The test model added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated second row, adaptive LED projector headlights, and a panoramic moonroof.

Pricing for the 2020 Highlander starts at $35,720. The as-tested price came to $51,112.

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.0T FWD

Redesigned in 2019, the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe became the brand’s best-selling SUV in America that year, with sales of more than 1.6 million units.

It will receive a freshened look for 2021, accentuated by a new grille more in line with Hyundai’s current DNA, but the 2020 model tested by LTR also included some refinements.

The Limited 2.0T front-wheel drive (FWD) test model was one away from the top-of-the-line trim, exceeded only by the AWD version of the Limited. That changes in 2021 when the Calligraphy trim will be top-of-the line.

While not standard on all trims, Smart Sense safety technologies like the blind spot monitor with a camera view displayed in the instrument cluster, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert were included on the test model. It also had the optional Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert that reminds drivers to check the back seat for precious cargo before exiting.

Inside, the Santa Fe offers more cargo room behind the second-row seats and expands space behind the first row of seats with rear seats folded flat to 71.3 cubic feet. For added convenience, the second-row on the test model dropped down with the push of a button,

Hyundai offers two four-cylinder engine options on the Santa Fe. The test model came with the latter, producing 235 horses and 260 lb.–ft. of torque. It has an EPA city/highway estimated fuel economy of 20/27 mpg. It averaged 31.1 mpg on the test drive with a slight turbo lag. All engines are mated to a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The test model also came with three drive modes, Normal, Sport, and Smart, for improved performance.

For owners of an Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X as well as compatible Android devices, there’s an available Qi wireless charger.

During this test drive there was also a chance to test Hyundai’s 24-hour roadside assistance when the test model developed a flat. While the service was timely and did put on the spare, which was a temporary tire or donut.

Pricing for the 2020 Santa Fe starts at $27,415. The as-tested price came to $38.730.

Lexus RX 450hL Luxury AWD

Lexus ventured into the luxury hybrid SUV market with its RX model more than a decade ago. Refreshed in 2020, the RX 450hL tested by LTR included three rows of seating, improved performance, an updated Lexus Multimedia System, additional standard safety features, and a refreshed exterior design.

As a hybrid, it’s not only the top-of-the-line RX, it’s also the most fuel-efficient. Lexus pairs the fuel injected 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators for strong acceleration and passing performance. The standard AWD system, or “all-weather” according to Lexus, employs a second, independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels when needed for optimal traction.

It has an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 29/28 mpg. It averaged 25 mpg on the test drive. A stiffer suspension design helped enhance its performance by reducing the noise and vibration from the road while four drive modes, from Sport to EV, should enhance fuel economy at slow speeds though that wasn’t reflected in the test drive.

Updates to the Lexus Multimedia System now include Apple CarPlay integration for an iPhone accessed through the RX’s standard eight-inch touchscreen dashboard display. The RX is also the first Lexus model to offer Android Auto integration.

Other standard luxury features on the test model included heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated seats in the rear while the third row folded flat electronically.

While it’s the top-of-the-line model as a hybrid, many features remain optional, like the 12.3 touchscreen that comes with the Navigation Package ($3,365). The display was bright and engaging, especially when the navigation system was on view. The instrument cluster, however, was less vivacious.

New safety technology added to the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 includes daytime bicyclist detection and low-light pedestrian detection along with Road Sign Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.

The standard blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert was also upgraded on the test model to include Intuitive Parking Assist.

Pricing for the 2020 RX 450h starts at $48,845. The as-tested price came to $65,340.

DePerez Joins Hyundai Motor America

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Sep 022020

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) has learned that Hyundai Motor America has appointed Fred DePerez as the new vice president of Product Line Management and Sales Planning where he will oversee the current Product Line Management, Sales Planning, and Retail Operations teams. This newly created division will allow Hyundai to react more rapidly to market conditions and improve decision making across the enterprise. DePerez will report to Hyundai Motor North America president and CEO José Muñoz.

“Fred is a seasoned leader with an extensive background in understanding market conditions and delivering results,” said Muñoz. “Creating this new division will allow us to better leverage data and take full advantage of national and regional opportunities to increase profits and gain market share. We are excited he’s joined the Hyundai team.”

DePerez has 25 years of automotive experience. LTR first met him when he served as vice president of Nissan’s Northeast Region, also under Muñoz. He also spent six years at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles where he led Dodge brand operations and 11 years at Toyota Motor Sales USA in various sales and marketing positions.

Hyundai’s Product Line Management group focuses on ways to improve performance by analyzing target customers, segment dynamics and the dealer’s engagement level of each Hyundai vehicle. Sales Planning analyzes industry-wide trends and identifies national and regional growth opportunities for Hyundai. Retail Operations manages Hyundai’s national incentive spending, certified pre-owned programs and sales planning activities.

¡Felicidades Fred!

Sports Car Review: Hyundai Veloster

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Mar 312020

From coupes to convertibles, sports cars can be found in several automotive segments, but among three-door sport coupes, there’s only one option, the Hyundai Veloster. Redesigned for 2019, the more refined model bears a cleaner exterior design and improved engine choices. For 2020, the Veloster gains even more standard equipment. Latino Traffic Report recently zoomed about town in the Veloster Turbo Ultimate.

There are six available trims and each comes in unique colors, materials, and accents. The redesign smartly included a two-tone exterior paint option reserved for the Turbo Ultimate trim. The test model came in a Chalk White body with a black roof.

While a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb.–ft. of torque matched to a six-speed manual powers the base model, the test model came with the turbo-charged 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horses and 195 lb.–ft. of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters. A six-speed manual transmission had been available on the Turbo Ultimate, but not for 2020. That’s a shame because at the Veloster launch, where LTR drove both transmissions, the manual really ramped up the coupe’s sporty performance. The manual is also standard on the R-Spec trim.

The automatic, however, will earn the best EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. During the test drive, it averaged 33.8 mpg.

To customize the driving experience, Drive Mode Select comes standard on all Velosters and offers three driver-selectable modes—Normal, Sport, and Smart. Left in Sport for most of the weeklong test, the ride was noticeably stiff and heavy. Active Engine Sound, standard on the R-Spec trim and above, allows the driver to adjust the engine rumble for a sportier effect.

The Veloster’s appeal may be connected to its sportiness but it is a hatch and as such, it offers something other sport coupes don’t, utility, namely 19.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row seat and 44.5 cu. ft. with it folded flat.

Standard safety features on the Veloster include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with autonomous braking, Lane Keep Assist, and a rear view camera with dynamic guidelines. One away from the top-of-the line trim, the Ultimate added Forward Collision-Avoidance with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control.

Features like Blind-Spot Collision and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, as well as Blue Link, Hyundai’s onboard emergency, diagnostic, guidance service, are standard on all but the base trim.

Standard creature comforts include basics like air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a seven-inch display screen with AM/FM radio, dual USB ports, steering-wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth, and cruse control, plus Apple CarPlay/Android Audio. Stepping up to the Turbo Ultimate brings fancier features like an eight-inch display with the Infiniti Premium audio system and navigation, a proximity key, leather seating with heated front seats with an orange accent stripe, a sunroof, and a heads-up display.